Space Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Space Systems Engineer
Company: Northrop Grumman
Location: United States - Colorado, Schriever AFB
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Systems Engineering
Date Posted: 2025-06-11
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Develop and maintain systems requirements for satellite operations and ground systems.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide systems engineering solutions.
Troubleshoot software issues and support risk management processes.
Develop and present technical documents and briefings to communicate work status and update government stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in systems engineering, with a focus on satellite operations and software troubleshooting. Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and experience working with multiple stakeholders are essential for success in this position.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Systems Engineering: Develop and maintain systems requirements for satellite operations and ground systems. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to provide systems engineering solutions.
Software Troubleshooting: Troubleshoot software issues and support risk management processes. Analyze and resolve issues in various platforms, including Linux, Windows servers/clients, and Oracle/SQL databases.
Documentation and Communication: Develop and present technical documents and briefings to communicate work status and update government stakeholders. Effectively communicate and present to project and program management, other technical managers, and customers.
Stakeholder Interface: Interface with multiple stakeholders from a variety of organizations (internally and externally) in support of requirements development. Collaborate with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and Satellite Control Network (SCN) to provide satellite support services.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a solid technical foundation in Systems Engineering processes, with a focus on system design and overall integration into an operational environment. Experience with systems integration and system/software testing, including virtualized environments, is highly desirable.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a STEM field with 5 years of experience or master’s degree in a STEM field with 3 years of experience, or a PhD.

Experience: 4 years of Systems Engineering experience, with a focus on satellite operations or other similar systems.

Required Skills:

Understanding of systems engineering principles and processes
Experience with Agile development
Systems engineering satellite operations or other similar systems
Top Secret SCI with a CI Polygraph

Preferred Skills:

Experience in Server System Administration and troubleshooting analysis in Linux, Windows servers/clients, and Oracle/SQL Databases
Ability to interface with multiple stakeholders from a variety of organizations (internally and externally) in support of requirements development
Solid technical foundation in Systems Engineering processes
Experience with Systems Integration and System/Software Testing, including virtualized environments
Working knowledge of system design and overall integration into an operational environment
Detailed knowledge of Windows and Unix environments
Security+ or another DoD 8570 approved certification

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate a strong understanding of systems engineering principles and processes through relevant projects and case studies.
Showcase experience with satellite operations, software troubleshooting, and risk management processes.
Highlight any experience with systems integration, system/software testing, and virtualized environments.
Include examples of technical documents and briefings developed to communicate work status and update stakeholders.

Technical Documentation:

Include detailed documentation of systems engineering processes, software troubleshooting, and risk management strategies used in previous projects.
Highlight any certifications, such as Security+, and explain how they have contributed to your technical skillset.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is not specifically focused on web development or server administration, a strong portfolio demonstrating systems engineering, software troubleshooting, and risk management skills will be essential for success. Highlight any experience with relevant technologies, such as Linux, Windows servers/clients, and Oracle/SQL databases.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,300.00 - $150,500.00 per year

Benefits:

Health Insurance Coverage
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Savings Plan
Company Paid Holidays
Paid Time Off

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with the possibility of working up to 10% of the time on travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is based on the information provided in the job listing. However, it is essential to research regional salary standards and cost of living for a more accurate estimate.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Northrop Grumman operates in the aerospace and defense industry, with a focus on developing and manufacturing advanced aerospace systems, defense electronics, and mission systems.

Company Size: Northrop Grumman is a large company with approximately 90,000 employees worldwide. This size allows for diverse career opportunities and the chance to work on large, complex projects.

Founded: Northrop Grumman was founded in 1994 through the merger of Northrop Corporation and Grumman Corporation.

Team Structure:

The Front Range Operations and Sustainment Team (FROST) program is responsible for providing satellite support services to the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and other government agencies.
The team consists of systems engineers, software developers, and other technical professionals who work together to maintain and modernize space and ground systems.
The team interfaces with multiple stakeholders, including the NRO, Department of Defense (DOD), NASA, and commercial industries.

Development Methodology:

Northrop Grumman uses Agile development methodologies to manage projects and ensure efficient delivery of products and services.
The company emphasizes collaboration, communication, and continuous improvement in its development processes.
Systems engineering processes are used to develop and maintain systems requirements, ensure system integration, and support software testing.

Company Website: Northrop Grumman

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's size and industry allow for diverse career opportunities and the chance to work on large, complex projects. The company's focus on collaboration, communication, and continuous improvement creates an environment that values innovative thinking and problem-solving.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Space Systems Engineer Career Level: This role is at the mid-career level, with a focus on developing and maintaining systems requirements for satellite operations and ground systems. The role requires a solid understanding of systems engineering principles and processes, as well as experience with satellite operations and software troubleshooting.

Reporting Structure: The Space Systems Engineer reports to the Space Systems Engineering Leadership and works closely with cross-functional teams, including software developers and other technical professionals. The role interfaces with multiple stakeholders, including the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and Satellite Control Network (SCN).

Technical Impact: The Space Systems Engineer has a significant impact on the successful operation of satellite systems and the overall mission of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and other government agencies. The role requires a deep understanding of systems engineering principles and processes, as well as the ability to troubleshoot software issues and support risk management processes.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: As a mid-career professional, there are numerous opportunities for technical growth and specialization within Northrop Grumman. This may include pursuing advanced certifications, such as Security+, or specializing in a specific area of systems engineering.
Leadership Development: With experience and demonstrated success, there may be opportunities to transition into a leadership role, managing teams of systems engineers or other technical professionals.
Architecture Decision-Making: As a senior-level professional, there may be opportunities to make architecture decisions that impact the overall design and functionality of satellite systems and ground systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for technical growth and specialization, as well as the chance to make architecture decisions that impact the overall design and functionality of satellite systems and ground systems. With experience and demonstrated success, there may be opportunities to transition into a leadership role, managing teams of systems engineers or other technical professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Northrop Grumman's Schriever AFB location is a dedicated workspace for the Front Range Operations and Sustainment Team (FROST) program. The office is designed to facilitate collaboration and communication among team members and with external stakeholders.

Office Location(s): Schriever AFB, near Colorado Springs, CO

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Workspace: The office is designed to encourage collaboration and communication among team members, with open workspaces and meeting rooms.
Development Tools: The workspace is equipped with the necessary tools for systems engineering, software development, and software testing, including virtualized environments.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: The office is home to a diverse team of professionals, including systems engineers, software developers, and other technical specialists. This encourages cross-functional collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and expertise.

Work Schedule: The standard workweek is 40 hours, with the possibility of working up to 10% of the time on travel. The work schedule is flexible, with the possibility of working overtime or on a modified schedule to meet project deadlines or support maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's Schriever AFB location offers a collaborative and supportive work environment, with access to the necessary tools and resources for success. The flexible work schedule and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration create an environment that values innovation and continuous learning.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss your qualifications and experience with systems engineering, satellite operations, and software troubleshooting.
On-Site Interview: A visit to Northrop Grumman's Schriever AFB location to meet with the hiring manager, team members, and other stakeholders. This may include technical discussions, case studies, and problem-solving exercises.
Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership to discuss your fit for the role and the company's long-term goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience with systems engineering, satellite operations, and software troubleshooting through relevant projects and case studies.
Include examples of technical documents and briefings developed to communicate work status and update stakeholders.
Showcase any certifications, such as Security+, and explain how they have contributed to your technical skillset.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your systems engineering principles and processes, with a focus on satellite operations and software troubleshooting.
Review your experience with relevant technologies, such as Linux, Windows servers/clients, and Oracle/SQL databases.
Prepare for case studies and problem-solving exercises that may be included in the on-site interview.

ATS Keywords: Systems Engineering, Satellite Operations, Software Troubleshooting, Risk Management, Agile Development, Linux, Windows Servers/Clients, Oracle/SQL Databases, Security+, Technical Documentation, Stakeholder Interface, National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), Satellite Control Network (SCN)

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical skills and experience with systems engineering, satellite operations, and software troubleshooting. The portfolio review and technical challenge preparation tips are focused on helping you demonstrate your qualifications and fit for the role.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Systems Engineering Tools:

Requirements Management: DOORS Next Generation, Jama Connect, or other requirements management tools.
Modeling and Simulation: MATLAB, Simulink, or other modeling and simulation tools.
Project Management: JIRA, Confluence, or other project management tools.

Operating Systems:

Windows: Windows 10 or later, Windows Server 2016 or later.
Linux: Ubuntu, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, or other Linux distributions.

Databases:

Oracle: Oracle Database 12c or later.
SQL: Microsoft SQL Server 2016 or later, MySQL, or PostgreSQL.

Networking:

Networking Tools: Wireshark, tcpdump, or other networking tools.
Network Protocols: TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, SFTP, or other networking protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is not specifically focused on web development or server administration, a strong understanding of systems engineering principles and processes, as well as experience with relevant technologies, is essential for success. Familiarity with the technology stack used by Northrop Grumman, including requirements management, modeling and simulation, project management, operating systems, databases, and networking tools, will be beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Northrop Grumman Values:

Innovation: Northrop Grumman values innovation and encourages employees to think creatively and challenge the status quo.
Customer Focus: The company is committed to understanding and meeting the needs of its customers, including the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and other government agencies.
Performance: Northrop Grumman emphasizes performance and expects employees to deliver high-quality results in a timely and efficient manner.
Integrity: The company values integrity and expects employees to act with honesty and ethical behavior in all aspects of their work.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Northrop Grumman encourages collaboration and communication among team members, including systems engineers, software developers, and other technical professionals.
Peer Review: The company uses peer review processes to ensure the quality and accuracy of technical work and to facilitate knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
Mentoring: Northrop Grumman offers mentoring programs to help employees develop their skills and advance their careers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Northrop Grumman's values and collaboration style create an environment that values innovation, customer focus, performance, and integrity. The company's commitment to cross-functional collaboration, peer review, and mentoring fosters a culture of continuous learning and growth.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Satellite Operations: Troubleshooting software issues and supporting risk management processes for satellite operations.
Ground Systems: Developing and maintaining systems requirements for ground systems, including software and hardware components.
Modernization: Modernizing space and ground systems to improve performance, reliability, and security.
Stakeholder Interface: Interfacing with multiple stakeholders, including the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and Satellite Control Network (SCN), to provide satellite support services.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Training: Northrop Grumman offers technical training and development opportunities to help employees expand their skills and knowledge in systems engineering, satellite operations, and software troubleshooting.
Certification: The company encourages employees to pursue relevant certifications, such as Security+, to enhance their technical skillset and advance their careers.
Conferences and Events: Northrop Grumman participates in industry conferences and events, providing employees with opportunities to network with other professionals and learn about emerging technologies and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant technical challenges and learning opportunities in systems engineering, satellite operations, and software troubleshooting. Northrop Grumman's commitment to technical training, certification, and participation in industry conferences and events creates an environment that values continuous learning and growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Systems Engineering: Describe your experience with systems engineering principles and processes, with a focus on satellite operations and software troubleshooting.
Satellite Operations: Discuss your experience with satellite operations and the challenges you've faced in maintaining and modernizing space and ground systems.
Software Troubleshooting: Explain your approach to software troubleshooting and risk management processes, with examples of issues you've resolved in the past.
Stakeholder Interface: Describe your experience interfacing with multiple stakeholders, including the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and Satellite Control Network (SCN), to provide satellite support services.

Company & Culture Questions:

Northrop Grumman Values: Explain how you align with Northrop Grumman's values, including innovation, customer focus, performance, and integrity.
Collaboration Style: Discuss your experience with cross-functional collaboration, peer review, and mentoring, and how you've used these processes to drive success in your previous roles.
Career Growth: Describe your long-term career goals and how this role at Northrop Grumman can help you achieve them.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Project Selection: Choose projects that demonstrate your experience with systems engineering, satellite operations, and software troubleshooting, with a focus on the challenges you've faced and the solutions you've implemented.
Case Study Development: Develop case studies that highlight your technical skills and experience, with a focus on the results you've achieved and the impact you've made on your previous employers.
Storytelling: Use storytelling techniques to engage your audience and make your portfolio and case studies more memorable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical skills and experience with systems engineering, satellite operations, and software troubleshooting. The technical questions and company & culture questions are focused on helping you demonstrate your qualifications and fit for the role. The portfolio presentation strategy tips are focused on helping you create a compelling and memorable portfolio and case studies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Space Systems Engineer position:

Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with systems engineering, satellite operations, and software troubleshooting. Include relevant keywords and phrases to help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems.
Portfolio Customization: Customize your portfolio to showcase your experience with systems engineering, satellite operations, and software troubleshooting. Include relevant projects and case studies, with a focus on the challenges you've faced and the solutions you've implemented.
Technical Interview Preparation: Brush up on your systems engineering principles and processes, with a focus on satellite operations and software troubleshooting. Review your experience with relevant technologies, such as Linux, Windows servers/clients, and Oracle/SQL databases. Prepare for case studies and problem-solving exercises that may be included in the on-site interview.
Company Research: Research Northrop Grumman's values, collaboration style, and commitment to continuous learning and growth. Prepare for company & culture questions that may be included in the interview process.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and systems engineering industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Northrop Grumman before making application decisions.

Space Systems Engineer